Exciting changes at the DVA

VERNON – The Downtown Vernon
Association (DVA) has enjoyed a very busy spring and summer, working hard to
bring valuable programming throughout the summer months including:

·
Shop Late
Thursdays

·
Sunshine
Festival

·
Jammin’ in
Justice

·
Civic
Sounds

Add to this our
monthly member activities such as member mixers and curbside chats, it’s been
one hot summer for the DVA! And there are so many more activities we are
working towards, for example, our next BIG and exciting project is RespectFest
2017!, a joint initiative with the Social Planning Council of the North
Okanagan and the Allan Brooks Nature Centre. RespectFest 2017! is an
exciting and activity-filled week with activities throughout Vernon that
celebrates the diversity of our community and forms a part of our Canada 150th
birthday celebrations.

We are also excited to
announce some staffing changes here in the DVA office with a new Executive
Director, Susan Lehman, new Marketing & Events Coordinator, Dudley Coulter,
and the promotion of Dina Mostat to Director of Member Services.

Susan Lehman comes to
Vernon from Edmonton, Alberta area, bringing experience in economic
development, tourism and community programming, communications and marketing,
business and personal finance, and experience as an entrepreneur. Susan
is eager to learn more about the Downtown Vernon Association and the broad
diversity of the DVA members, continuing to learn what have been some of the
factors to business success in Vernon as well as learning what challenges the
DVA members may be facing in the current Vernon business climate. “I’m
honoured to have been selected as the Executive Director for the DVA, and am
looking forward to working with the DVA Board of Directors, the DVA’s over 500
members, and our community stakeholders to build upon the DVA’s past successes,
strengthen key relationships, and establish the DVA in the community as a
reliable and valuable resource for our membership.”

Since arriving in
Vernon from Ontario, Dudley Coulter has quickly entrenched himself in the
Vernon community with passion and vision. Dudley’s background includes
professional athlete, coach, and athletic development coordinator and was the
recent runner-up for Coach of the Year in the 2017 Morningstar Community Leader
Awards. He brings a diploma in Public Relations and is near completion on
his BA in Professional Communications. The DVA is excited to learn from
and work with Dudley to provide events, promotions and programming of the
highest caliber and value to the DVA membership and our community. “I am
honoured to be chosen to fill this position and look forward to meeting and
working with downtown businesses to help secure downtown Vernon as a destination
and community hub. While I plan to continue planning and executing staple
events that make downtown such a great place to work and play, I will also be
looking at new opportunities to continue the growth of a thriving downtown
core.”

Dina Mostat began
working as the Member Services Coordinator 4 years ago, where she has used her
strong project management and implementation abilities, expert communication
skills, conviction to the DVA’s organizational and public priorities and
positive personality to become a key member of the DVA. Dina’s new
position will see her take on a larger role in various community and social
initiatives, as well provide direction and oversight for the DVA member
services programs. “There are some really exciting changes taking place,
the introduction of new staff will bring fresh ideas and opportunities! Downtown
Vernon is an amazing place made up of diverse businesses and exceptional
business owners, I look forward to further supporting their success.”

The DVA Board of Directors are confident
that Susan’s experience, knowledge and integrity are a great match for the
staff, stakeholders and members of the DVA, and we look forward to working with
Susan to shape the DVA’s mission, objectives, and strategies.

###

The
Downtown Vernon Association (DVA) is an energetic and focused business organization
representing over 500 members. Since 1967, the DVA has worked to promote
Downtown Vernon as a unique and dynamic destination for entertainment, goods
and services. Through programs and services including networking, special
events, marketing, infrastructure maintenance, and more, the DVA continues to
work at strengthening the economic vitality of Downtown Vernon for its members.